General Description
A clear colorless liquid. Flash point 120°F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.
Reactivity Profile
METHYL ISOBUTYL CARBINOL(108-11-2) is an alcohol. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides. This compound is incompatible with strong oxidizers .
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Soluble in water.
Hazard
Moderate fire risk, explosive limits in air 1–
5.5%. Eye and upper respiratory tract irritant, and
central nervous system impairment.
Health Hazard
Vapor irritates eyes and nose; may cause anesthesia. Prolonged contact with liquid causes irritation and cracking of skin; also irritates eyes.
Potential Exposure
MIBC is used as a solvent; in the formulation of brake fluids; as an intermediate in organic
synthesis.
Fire Hazard
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit
Shipping
UN2053Methyl isobutyl carbinol, Hazard Class: 3;
Labels: 3-Flammable liquid
Incompatibilities
Vapor may form explosive mixture with
air. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep
away from alkaline materials, strong acids, peroxysulfuric
acid, strong bases, caustics, aliphatic amines; isocyanates.
Contact with alkali metals produces hydrogen gas.
Permissibl
Description
MIBC is a colorless liquid with a mild odor.The odor threshold is 0.52 ppm. Molecularweight 5 102.20; Specific gravity (H2O:1) 5 0.81; Boilingpoint 5 132.8℃; Freezing/Melting point 5 2 90℃; Vaporpressure 5 3 mmHg at 20℃; Flash point = 41℃. Theexplosive limits are LEL 5 1.0%; UEL 5 5.5%. HazardIdentification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System):Health 2, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0. Slightly soluble inwater; solubility 5 2%.
Chemical Properties
colourless liquid
Chemical Properties
MIBC is a colorless liquid with a mild odor.
The odor threshold is 0.52 ppm.
Waste Disposal
Incineration; other, more
flammable solvent may be added.
Production Methods
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is prepared commercially as a byproduct
of the synthesis of methyl isobutyl ketone.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water: No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before entering confinedspace where this chemical may be present, check to makesure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Methylamyl alcohol must be stored to avoid contact with peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, permanganates, and nitratessince violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat.Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, areprohibited where methyl amyl alcohol is used, handled, orstored in a manner that could create a potential fire orexplosion hazard.
Purification Methods
Wash the 2-pentanol with aqueous NaHCO3, dry and distil it. Purify it further by converting it to the phthalate ester by adding 120mL of dry pyridine and 67g of phthalic anhydride per mole of alcohol, purifying the ester and steam distilling it in the presence of NaOH. The distillate is extracted with ether, and the extract is dried and fractionally distilled. [Levine & Walti J Biol Chem 94 367 1931, Beilstein 1 IV 1717.]
Toxics Screening Level
The Initial Threshold Screening Level (ITSL) for methyl amyl alcohol is 1000 μg/m 3
based on an 8 hr. averaging time.
